A 21-year-old Birmingham man has been charged with the murder of teenage model Amy Leigh Barnes.

Ms Barnes was taken to hospital with stab wounds after police were called to her home in Farnworth, Bolton on Saturday. The 19-year-old died as a result of her injuries.

Ricardo Morrison, formerly of Birmingham, is due to appear before Bolton Magistrates’ Court today.

Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy said he was devastated by the death of Amy Leigh Barnes.

In a statement issued by his club, South African international McCarthy, 31, said: “Amy Leigh was a friend of mine and I am obviously devastated to hear of this tragedy.

“My condolences go out to her family and friends at this sad and difficult time.”

Footballers have also left comments on a Facebook tribute group to the model, who had worked on assignments for Cosmopolitan and Nuts magazine and appeared in the teen drama Hollyoaks.

Oldham Athletic player Paul Black wrote “r.i.p. x”, while West Bromwich Albion striker Ishmael Miller posted the message: “R.I.P. Amy Leigh.”